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Talking Technique: Efficient Practice Hacks #3 – Put Your Bass Under Your Pillow
Installment three in my series on my favorite practice “hacks” may almost seem too good to be true. However, this has nothing to do with wishful thinking, the law of attraction (I am more of a “law-of-action” kinda gal), or superstition. It has everything to do with brain science and the power of the mind! Get your handy infographic on...
Al Jarreau with Marcus Miller: Tenderness Studio Session
The world lost another music icon this weekend with the passing of jazz vocalist Al Jarreau. His distinct voice and style were adored by many, and his dedication to his art inspired, even more, musicians. Bass legend Marcus Miller shared this video of Jarreau’s 1994 “Tenderness” live in the studio session on Facebook in memory of the singer. “I can’t...
Nordstrand Pickups Introduces the 2b+ Preamp
Nordstrand Pickups has introduced the 2b+, a 2-band boost only preamp they say offers flexibility and simplicity with lots of tone-shaping potential. “Offering more boost than our standard 2-band preamp the 2B+ can really beef up your lows and polish your highs,” Nordstrand writes. “There’s a dip switch for shifting the treble EQ point, and the adjustable gain trim pot...
Weekly Top 10: New Bass Gear, Remembering Steve Lang and Elliott Rubinson, Victor Wooten Live, Making Time for Practice and More
This week, we remembered two bass legends, following the passing of Steve Lang and Elliott Rubinson. We also covered more bass gear news from last month’s NAMM show, offered up a couple of great columns by Damian Erskine and Donovan stokes, and more. Here are the top 10 most read stories of the week of February 4-10, 2017. Thanks for...
Kiesel Guitars Introduces Amos Williams Signature Vader Bass
Kiesel Guitars teamed up with TesseracT bassist Amos Williams to create the Vader AW5 Signature headless bass. The new model is based on the Vader bass with several differences including a 34-inch scale 23-fret fingerboard, and a single high output HB series humbucker. As with all Kiesel and Carvin instruments, the AW5 is available with a number of options. Standard...
Atticus Lazenby Group: Orange
We love getting videos from our readers. Here’s one Atticus Lazenby just sent us, featuring his group performing live at Esquina Chicago. “This is a live recording of my band, the Atticus Lazenby Group, performing one of my compositions called ‘Orange’,” the bassist wrote. “It’s got a latin-funk feel and features a dueling-guitar solo. This is one of our favorite...
George Porter, Jr. Recording with Snoop Dogg
Legendary bassist George Porter, Jr. has played with a who’s who of the music industry, but that list has just gotten a little bigger. Porter, who championed the groove with The Meters, revealed that he’s been recording with rap icon Snoop Dogg. He shared the news on Facebook with a photo of himself with Snoop. “Had a blast working with...
Tech 21 Introduces the Q/Strip
Tech 21 unveiled the Q/Strip as part of their display at the 2017 NAMM Show. Developed in a DI format, the device acts as a preamp and direct box with the features of a recording console strip from the ’60s and ’70s. The Q/Strip features all-analog MOSFET circuitry, which gives “warmth, girth, and larger-than-life tones for which vintage consoles are...
YYNOT: Kingdom Come (Official)
Last June, we featured the audio track for YYNOT’s original tune, “Kingdom Come.” Now the band has released their official video. The Rush-inspired virtual band did this video the way they’ve put together all their terrific covers: shot/recorded in multiple locations, including Southern California, Florida, and Nashville. As always, Tim Starace drives things with his gritty bass tone, along with...
Bill Wyman Chronicles The Rhythm Kings With New Box Set
Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has released a new box set chronicling the live performances of his band The Rhythm Kings. The Kings Of Rhythm Volume 4: Race With The Devil contains three DVDs and a CD of the 10-piece blues and soul band with Wyman at the helm. “The band has a core rhythm section but features a...
Snarky Puppy Announces European Tour with Special Guests
Snarky Puppy has announced an extensive tour of Europe that will take the band across the continent from April to June. The band, led by bassist Michael League, will kick things off in Budapest, Hungary on April 20th and eventually wrap things up on June 7th in Eindhoven, Netherlands. They’ll be joined by several of their fellow GroundUp label mates...
The Lightbulb Moment: This Is Why I Practice
There’s an old saying that goes: if it were easy, everyone would do it. Playing music isn’t easy. Navigating the fretboard is confusing, playing with a metronome can be tedious, and there’s a never-ending list of songs to learn. Despite all of the work that goes into playing music, most of us love it and in many ways, are defined...